Today's Edition
ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)
University students and recent graduates across the UAE can compete for Dh50,000 prizes by developing working prototypes to solve challenges in tourism, nuclear energy and communications under a new national technology competition launched on September 10.
The Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC) and Ministry of Education have launched Advanced Technology Pioneers - a competition that seeks to connect emerging technical talent with problems set by leading UAE organisations.
Run under the National Science, Technology and Innovation Festival, the competition moves beyond concept proposals by requiring participants to develop working prototypes with direct applications for the UAE.
Shahab Issa Abu Shahab, Director-General of the ATRC, said, “The strength of a knowledge-based economy lies in the capabilities of its people. Developing people with the skills and experience to help shape the future is crucial in staying relevant in the technology field. Advanced Technology Pioneers is an initiative that tries to directly align emerging talent with the Abu Dhabi’s strategic technology priorities."
“By challenging emerging talent to deliver working solutions for leading national organisations, we are aiming to strengthen national capabilities, accelerate the transition from education to industry, and support in building the skilled workforce that underpins a competitive knowledge economy. Which in turn helps advance Abu Dhabi’s position as one of the global centres for advanced technology, innovation, and research.”
Three Challenge Tracks
Its inaugural edition includes three challenge tracks developed with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), the Emirates Nuclear Energy Company (ENEC) and EDGE Group.
DCT Abu Dhabi is asking participants to examine how changes in aviation supply influence hotel guest numbers. Teams will develop a scenario simulator linking aviation trends with tourism demand, allowing users to assess how changes in air connectivity could affect visitor volumes.
ENEC’s challenge focuses on the sustainable management of seasonal jellyfish blooms at coastal facilities. Participants will be asked to design solutions that protect marine ecosystems while supporting the continuity of operations.
EDGE Group, meanwhile, is seeking solutions for connectivity across Wi-Fi, 5G, satellite and wired networks. Teams will design mechanisms intended to maintain quality of service as users move between different technologies.
Teams of three to four members can apply through ChallengeON, ATRC’s national platform for industry-led innovation challenges.
The competition is open to bachelor’s and master’s students, as well as graduates who completed their studies within the past two years. Participants can form teams across UAE universities or connect with other applicants through the ChallengeON platform.
Subject-matter experts will mentor teams during the competition as they develop their prototypes. Applications close on October 11.
Finalists will present their work at the NSTI Festival in November, with one winning team selected from each of the three tracks.
Each winning team will receive Dh50,000, along with access to internship pathways and invitations to national and international technology and innovation events. Participants will also gain exposure to prospective employers among the organisations involved in the programme.
